Chapter Text
part one: Edwin Sharma.
It was a typically average Tuesday evening when Edwin Sharma found himself hopelessly in love.
He didn’t know her name.
He hadn’t spoken to her.
He didn’t know anything about her.
All he knew was, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever had the fortune to lay his eyes upon.
He had, in fact, only laid eyes on this beauty ten minutes ago.
Those few mesmerizing seconds, when time and the universe stopped, was all he needed to confirm what he already knew: he was hopelessly, and quite desperately, in love.
Edwin hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her since she walked into the gentlemen’s club White’s twenty minutes ago, along with a flutter of beautiful women, a smirk on her red lips and rosy pink cheeks as he hand trailed across various members’ jackets.
When she looked across the room and smiled at him, this stunning creature actually smiled at him-simple, not much fortune to his name Edwin Sharma-he had managed to spill his beer all over himself.
That had led him to the bar, with flushed cheeks and embarrassment flooding his veins, tearing his eyes away from the goddess standing across the room.
He waved off his friends’, ignoring their roars of laughter and teasing at his misfortune. Edwin ordered another beer, rather glumly, and dabbed at his jacket with a cloth, feeling quite sorry for himself.
He was a fool. A spluttering, clumsy fool.
A woman like that would never look twice at a man-probably in her eyes, he was a boy-like him.
“Hello, darling.”
Edwin snapped his head to the side, startled at the sweet, honeydew voice in his left ear. It was her. All Edwin managed to do was gape at her. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t move a muscle. He could not form a single syllable of the English language.
She blinked those beautiful blue diamonds at him, with fluttering, dark eyelashes. Her maroon frock clung to her curves, her full bosom and wide hips. Her raven hair looked so soft, as if it would fall right through his fingers. He was enchanted. Her pink full lips broke out into a warm smile as she looked at him expectantly.
Edwin opened his mouth, he could feel the slight draft in his mouth and his muscles moving, his jaw expanding-yet, nothing came out. Not a single word.
All he managed to do was stumble backwards, spilling what was left of his beer (again) on himself and the man beside him.
“Pardon me, my lord,” He managed to say, his eyes widening in horror at the beer spilled. “My most sincere apologies, I am an idiot of the highest regard-”
“Would you excuse us for a moment?” A deep voice spoke from beside him, a towering man looking between Edwin and the goddess beside him.
Her eyes widened at this man’s interruption, recognition and realization filling her eyes before she nodded. She bowed her head before scurrying off to a woman across the room, leaning in to whisper in her ear as both their eyes moved to look in their direction.
Edwin knew she wasn’t looking at him.
He spoke again, managing to make eye contact with the man. “Once again, I am terribly sorry-”
He shook his head. “Forget the beer.”
Edwin gulped nervously. This was a gentleman’s club, men had fought over less than a spilled drink or a few drunken words.
The man beside him spoke, lifting the glass in his hand to his lips and draining the remaining contents. “You seem to be struggling.”
Edwin nodded grimly, staring at the floor and rather hoping it would swallow him up. “Is it that painfully obvious?”
“Have you ever spoken to a woman before?”
Edwin shot him an exasperated look. He understood it wasn’t meant in a cruel way, from the man’s tone it was simply a question. It didn’t stop him from feeling like a prized idiot. He had never had that natural confidence with women his friends had.
Edwin didn’t know who he was. He had at least ten years on Edwin, a few grey strands around his temples and ears blending in with his chestnut hair. “You would think not. Please spare me, my lord. I have already endured enough torture tonight.”
“I do not believe we have been introduced. Viscount Anthony Bridgerton.”
Edwin choked on air.
Edwin stood up straighter, his eyes widening. He bowed his head, nervously but firmly shaking the Viscount’s hand. His father had taught him that a man’s handshake should be firm and strong but it felt weak in the Viscount’s strong grip. “Lord Edwin Sharma. It is a pleasure to meet you, Viscount Bridgerton.”
Bloody brilliant.
He had made a fool of himself in front of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton.
The man was a legend.
He wasn’t just anyone. He was Anthony Bridgerton. His name was famous across England, his tales were told across Eton, Oxford and in most pubs, brothels and opera houses. The man was the Rake of London. He was head boy at Eton, an accomplished rider, a fair boxer and had a talented hand at cards. He was admired and respected.
And Edwin had just sputtered and split a drink on him.
After a few moments of silence, Edwin silently bowed his head. “Apologies again, Viscount Bridgerton. Have a good evening.” He picked up his beer and turned to take his leave and return to his friends.
“Join me for a drink, Sharma.”
Edwin turned around, startled and slightly confused at the invitation. Nevertheless, he nodded eagerly. “Of course, my lord.”
“You need something lighter than that and I need something stronger,” The Viscount said, looking from his beer to the barman. “Two whiskeys and a water.”
Edwin followed the Viscount to two leather chairs by the window, shooting his friend’s a confused look which they returned right back. It’s at that moment Edwin sees her again, directly in his eyeline conversing with a man at a table. There was nothing friendly about the hand on his chest and the rise of her drink seductively to her lips.
Edwin stumbled again, his beer sloshing over the edge of his glass as he sat down.
The Viscount looks him up and down, a pointed look on his face as he leans back into his chair. “Perhaps you should stick to just the water.”
“My Apologies,” Edwin grumbles before clearing his throat, feeling completely foolish as he meets the Viscount’s eyes. “I was momentarily distracted.”
“I can see,” The Viscount said, looking over his shoulder before turning back to smirk at Edwin. Amusement filled his face, which made Edwin feel a bit lighter. “Drooling, to be accurate.”
“She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” Edwin sighed, leaning back into the brown leather chair and nodding his head at the waiter who handed him a whiskey. He might as well bask in his embarrassment.
The Viscount shrugged. “So far.”
Edwin shook his head in disagreement. “Forever. I made a complete fool out of myself in front of a beautiful woman who will probably never look my way again.”
“We have all been young, seen a beautiful woman and lost our wits,” The Viscount said, taking a sip from his whiskey. “Yet, as we get older, we learn and guess what?”
Edwin looked at him expectantly.
He smirked at Edwin. “There are always beautiful women.”
Edwin chuckled softly, his eyes flicking back to her for a few seconds before looking at the Viscount. “I sincerely doubt there is anyone as beautiful as her. I would marry her in a second. If I could manage to speak to her, that is.”
“How old are you?”
“Eighteen.”
The Viscount nodded slowly, his index finger swirling around the rim of his glass. “There are a lot of beautiful things in this world. Sometimes it is better to look and not touch.”
Edwin looked over the rim of his glass. “How do you mean?”
Something darkened in his gaze, his eyes telling a story that would never be shared. “Don’t form attachments. That’s my advice.”
“If I could give you some further advice, it would be this,” Viscount said, his tone taking quite a serious turn. “People like us do not marry people like them. You would do well to remember that.”
“I do not care about status.” It was a privileged statement, one that Edwin felt like a half-fool stating but deep down, he believed it to be true. He wanted what his parents had, nothing more or less. It was up to fate to decide who it would be with.
Something flashed across the Viscount’s face again, a haunted expression that was gone just as quickly as it came. “Society does.”
“Have you lived in London since you were a boy, my Lord?” Edwin asked, attempting to break the awkward silence.
The Viscount shook his head. “Predominantly Kent. My family made London our permanent residence when I was eighteen.”
“Somerset. I plan to return home to my mother and sister for the remainder of the summer before Oxford in October.”
Viscount Bridgerton paused, a look of silent understanding flooding his face.
“My father passed. Five years ago.” Edwin answered, before he could ask.
The Viscount froze, before softening slightly.
“My condolences.”
Edwin nodded. “Thank you. It’s been years but it’s still quite strange. I never imagined finishing school without him. Anything, without him, really. Taking over his title. I suppose greater men have done it and taken on far more.”
Edwin was embarrassed by his ramblings, he was a great deal drunker than he thought. He downed his glass of water hastily.
The Viscount stared at him for a few moments, a slightly pained, questioning look on his face. “Yet the burden of our individual responsibilities remain the same.”
Edwin looked up in surprise.
“I was your age when my father passed,” The Viscount added.
There was a nodding of understanding between them, something those who had lost a parent could only share.
Edwin nodded slowly. “My condolences.”
The Viscount nodded his head.
“I believe your brother Colin was a few years ahead of me at Eton. Do you have more siblings?” Edwin asked, swiftly attempting to change the subject.
Edwin didn’t know much about London society, his family had never stepped foot into it. His knowledge was to the extent of the members he had met during his time at school. He knew enough to know the Bridgerton family was one of the most important families in London society.
“Too many,” He grunted, but there was a small smile on his lips. “I have seven, including Colin.”
“Seven?” Edwin exclaimed, shaking his head. “I could not imagine. It’s always been Kate and I.”
“Are you the eldest?”
“My sister Kate is the eldest. Not that she would ever let me forget it.” Edwin said, a grin spreading on his face at the thought of his sister. He bloody missed her. His friends often complained about their sisters but Edwin rather thought Kate was his best friend.
It didn’t escape him how strange this entire conversation was. Edwin was nothing special, he was a mere lord with a small estate in Somerset. His father had scraped enough to send him to Eton. He didn’t have a clue what a Viscount would want with him. Yet, here they were, getting to know each other.
The Viscount stood up abruptly, downing the rest of his whiskey and slamming the glass back on the table. “I have business elsewhere I have to attend to. Say, Sharma. Join me for a ride tomorrow. Hyde Park, noon.”
It didn’t sound like a question, more like a command-but nevertheless, Edwin found himself quite intrigued by Anthony Bridgerton. “Of course. Noon. Good evening, Viscount Bridgerton.”
The Viscount nodded before walking in the direction of the exit, briefly stopping to speak with a tall, curly headed man who bore a similar resemblance to the Viscount. Another Bridgerton, Edwin presumed.
Edwin re-joined his group of friends at their table. The five of them had graduated Eton in June, soon to be apart after a summer of gallivanting around London.
“What the bloody hell was that about?” Liam, his best mate of seven years, said as he leaned towards Edwin with a raised brow.
They had been friends since they met on their first day at Eton. Liam had inherited his Earldom when his father died last year. His mother had died when he was child and he had one younger brother. His father had little interest in his sons other than their existence confirming he had a son to pass his title to.
It was troubling to learn that there were men out there not like his father, who adored his mother and loved his children until the day he died. It was Edwin’s responsibility to make sure Kate did not marry one of them.
It had become a daunting realization recently that he hadn’t really taken on any of his responsibilities now that he was a man. He had only gone to Eton when his father had passed and Kate had taken over what their father had taught her.
He could have spent his summers and holidays learning his responsibilities from his sister. Instead, he visited friends. Drank with his friends. Went to the local tavern. Went to London for a few weeks. Kate was perfectly content running their household and Edwin was perfectly content letting her.
Edwin was staying with Liam in his London townhouse for the summer before returning to Somerset in August. He was delaying returning to the conversation waiting for him at home-Kate’s impending debut.
It was the one responsibility that was becoming increasingly taxing to ignore.
His mother had mentioned it to him a few times in her letters during the year; it had been the main source of arguments and tension in the Sharma household for the past two years.
Kate did not want to have a season in London.
Money for her season and her dowry had been set aside by their father years ago. She was twenty one years old, closer to twenty two than twenty, and nearing closer to spinsterhood.
They had agreed to postpone it for as long as they could. With their father’s death and Edwin off at Eton, Kate had essentially been running their estate. She argued again and again that that money should be used to improve the estate, that she did not want a season nor could they afford one.
Their father had run into financial troubles a few years before his death. They were by no means poor, they were and still remained comfortable-but their wealth had decreased over the years. That meant a smaller dowry than London’s gentleman would prefer and only one opportunity at a season for Kate.
Their mother would not hear of it. She was adamant Kate was to have a season and that it would be the upcoming 1814 season next spring.
Edwin didn’t want to force Kate into anything but he couldn’t understand why she was so adamant not to, either.
“Edwin?” Liam said again, raising an eyebrow at his friend and snapping Edwin out of his thoughts.
“I made a fool out of myself, naturally and we had a drink,” Edwin said, leaving out the finer details but figuring that was all there is to say. “We are meeting for a ride tomorrow.”
“Bloody hell,”
“I can’t believe we’re in the same club as Viscount Anthony Bridgerton,” Humphrey said, shaking his head in awe. “He’s an absolute legend.”
All the boys nodded their heads in unison.
“The Rake of all rakes.”
“Famous in brothels.”
“And opera houses.”
There was a round of laughter and silent admiration.
“I heard he knocked a man out cold with one punch in his boxing days.”
“An excellent rider.”
“A decent gambler as well.”
“Planning on joining the ranks of the rakes, Ed?” said Andrew, one of the lads, leaned forward with a teasing smile.
“Please. Eddie could never be a rake,” Liam said, nudging him with his elbow. “He believes in true love.”
Edwin scowled at his friend. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“What does the Viscount want with you anyway, Ed?” Amos, one of his other friends, asked. Everyone’s eyes turned on Edwin, curious, drunken expressions across their faces.
Edwin shrugged his shoulders, the same question had been lingering in his mind all evening.
“I have no idea.”
The following morning, Edwin stood in Hyde Park. He arrived fifteen minutes early, not wanting to appear too eager so he settled on being fifteen minutes instead of half an hour early. He didn’t know what to feel, but feeling odd was certainly present. He still couldn’t wrap his head around what the Viscount wanted with him. Why he had offered him a drink or why he was meeting with him today.
He was also nursing a nasty hangover, which the garlic and two egg yolks cure the butler had forced upon him had only made worse.
London folk were strange.
“Sharma!”
Edwin whipped his head around to see the Viscount riding on a horse towards him, moving slowly into a trot as he approached Edwin and his horse.
“Good day, Viscount Bridgerton.”
The Viscount lets go of his reins, making one hand free to shake Edwins. “Good morning for a ride, is it not?”
“It is indeed.” Edwin nodded his head in agreement, still slightly baffled by this entire ordeal.
The Viscount turned around and grinned.
“Let’s go, shall we?”
They spend the afternoon riding and talking and it’s one of the best Edwin has had in a while. The Viscount tells stories about his time at Eton and at Oxford, ones that shock Edwin and make him laugh until his stomach hurts. They make him excited, excited for what is to come. It had felt like his youth was escaping him once he finished school but it was only truly the beginning.
They end up back in White’s, drinks and conversation flowing. He had hoped he would see the beauty from the night before but according to Lord Bridgerton, women only appeared invited and in the evenings.
“I must say, Lord Bridgerton,” Edwin said to the gentlemen sitting opposite him, the buzz strong enough to give him some courage. “I am curious as to why you asked me here today. For the drink last night as well.”
The Viscount stared at him for a moment, the heat of his stare making Edwin shift uncomfortably. He really did live up to some of the rumours-he was a very intimidating man.
“You remind me of someone.”
Edwin nodded his head slowly, accepting the answer. Maybe it was one of his brothers. He had briefly been introduced to the two men earlier, Benedict and Colin. They had only been able to stay for a drink before leaving to attend a dinner at their sister, the Duchess of Hastings’ house.
The Viscount did not explain why he would not be joining them.
“Do you trust your staff to run your estate while you are at Oxford?” He asked, gesturing to the barman for another round of drinks.
Edwin paused, flexing his fingers around the glass in his hand. It was information he would rather keep to himself. He wasn’t embarrassed, per se. Kate ran their estate and did a rather splendid job at it. Their mother never had any interest and Kate had been glued to their father’s side. Edwin had always been interested in something else and then there was school.
“You could say that.”
Lord Bridgerton tilted his head. “Go on.”
“You will think me ridiculous.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
“I can’t take the credit. I do have staff, yes,” Edwin said, pausing before taking another sip of his whiskey. “That report to my sister.”
“Your sister,” he interrupted. “Her husband?”
Edwin shook his head. “No. My sister.”
“Let me get this correct,” He said, leaning forward and clasping his hands together. “Your sister runs your estate?”
Edwin gulped, nodding his head. “Rather brilliantly, I might add. I know it is difficult to believe-”
“It is not difficult at all,” He interrupted, leaning back into the brown leather chair. “I have four sisters and I try not to think of what they are capable of. Otherwise, it would keep me awake at night.”
It was rather the opposite for Edwin. Kate never left him alone, always writing and interrogating him about what he was up to and what company he kept. It was out of love, he understood, but it was rather annoying.
“I presumed your sister was married.”
“That she is not,” Edwin said, holding back a snort. “I would like to meet the man that could keep up with Kate.”
“Well,” He said, shrugging slightly. “Not every lady finds a husband in her first season.”
Edwin paused. “She has yet to have a season.”
The Viscount raised both brows.
“How old is she?”
“Twenty one.”
“Yet she is not out?”
Edwin hesitated, shaking his head. “It’s complicated.”
“How so?”
“You haven’t met Kate.”
“And your sister is capable of running your estate?” He asked, “Taking on your responsibilities? Managing the books, the staff, the payroll? And she is content in doing so?”
“It is how she prefers it,” He said, “I would never force Kate to do anything she does not want to do. I wouldn’t dare try. It has been this way since my father’s death. She excels at it. I’ll admit, it has allowed me freedom I have rather enjoyed. She’s far more capable than I am.”
“Tell me, Sharma. Are you afraid of your sister?”
Edwin pondered it momentarily. “That’s a tough question.”
“It’s a yes or no question.”
“You haven’t met Kate.”
“I have plenty of sisters. I understand the difficulty in being responsible for them. My sister Daphne debuted last year and married yet it was everything but simple. Why is your sister not married? Or at least out in society?”
“My father’s death changed everything. I was away at school, Kate knew how to run the estate. My mother is insisting on a season next spring but Kate will not hear of it,” He explained. “We can only afford one season. Kate insists she doesn’t want one.”
“Why has she been given a choice?”
“Why should she not be given one?” Edwin countered, feeling slightly defensive. “I love my sister, Lord Bridgerton. After everything she has done for me, I do not want to disappoint her. Her happiness is very important to me.”
Lord Bridgerton remained silent.
“She is brilliant. Kate is…well, it’s difficult to say no to her. It’s difficult to get Kate to do anything she does not want to do.”
“I think you have honourable intentions, Sharma.”
Edwin nodded slowly.
“But,” He said, pausing slightly before looking Edwin dead in the eye. “You need to grow up.”
He immediately frowned.
“You are the head of your household. It is yours to run and yours alone,” He said sharply. “You are a man now. You will take over from your sister before Oxford in October. Your household will survive while you are at Oxford with your staff and once you have graduated, you will take your rightful place.”
All Edwin could do was gape at the Viscount. He didn’t want to listen to any of it, especially how deep down he knew the Viscount was right.
“As for your sister,” He said, shaking his head. “The best thing you can do to ensure her safety and security-her happiness is to marry her off. London has the most eligible gentlemen England has to offer. A season in London is the best opportunity she will get. My sister had one season and the choice between a prince and a Duke.”
“I will be at Oxford for most of the season,” Edwin managed, feeling quite nauseous. “I do not know the first thing about the preparations for a season in London. My mother knows some-”
“I will help you.”
Edwin blinked rapidly. “You will?”
“I know London. I will help you organize staff, lodgings, everything required for a London season. As for the season I know every gentleman, their family history and their reputations. Your mother will know how to handle society and your sister. All that will be left for you to do is to make sure your sister debuts next spring. My sister Eloise will be debuting this year. I will be paying close attention. I will look out for your sister too.”
“Lord Bridgerton,” Edwin said slowly, still quite dazed from this entire conversation. “Thank you. I-I must admit, I do not know what to say.”
“I know it is difficult to step up to one’s responsibilities,” Lord Bridgerton said, a slightly pitiful look on his face. “I know how tempting it is to run away from them. It just makes it harder when the time comes to step up. You must think about your family now, Sharma. You must think about your mother and sister.”
Deep down, Edwin knew he was right. He couldn’t run away from his responsibilities forever. Most of his friends had fathers who were alive and siblings they weren’t responsible for. Had he really let his selfishness potentially ruin Kate’s chances at a secure, happy future? He had left everything to his mother and Kate, back in Somerset and now it was time to step up. Be a man. Be Lord Sharma.
“I graciously accept any guidance you have, Lord Bridgerton,” Edwin said, nodding at him gratefully. “It is very much appreciated.”
“You plan to spend the summer in London, correct?” Lord Bridgerton asked, to which Edwin nodded. “That is plenty of time to arrange everything and enjoy yourself.”
“You will be a better man for it, Sharma. Stepping up,” He said, downing the rest of his drink. “I am sure once your sister arrives, she will never want to leave. Some actually enjoy the season and its many balls.”
Edwin laughed softly. “And you do not, my lord?”
“I will have to,” He grumbled, a frown forming on his face. “I will marry this season.”
“Congratulations, Lord Bridgerton,” Edwin said, raising his glass into the air.
Lord Bridgerton didn’t look happy. In fact, he looked mildly constipated. He had a grim look on his face, as if the notion of marriage wasn’t a happy one at all. He did not cheers to it. “Indeed.”
He did raise his glass for another toast. “‘May god have mercy on us both.”
Edwin nodded, grimly thinking of how he was going to explain this to Kate. How he was going to convince her that London wasn’t the worst idea. “Tis the season.”
Edwin had the summer of dreams.
He spent it gallivanting around London with his friends-drinking at White’s, playing cards, gambling, attending a few balls and with beautiful women. He met lots of new people. He spent it a mixture between drunk and sober. Most of all, he had a laugh.
He also spent a considerable amount of time with Anthony Bridgerton.
They were joined a lot by Benedict and Colin Bridgerton, until Colin left for Spain mid-July and occasionally the Duke of Hastings and if it was appropriate, Gregory Bridgerton. He had dined occasionally with the Bridgertons as well. They were a lovely family, quite different to most of the ton in London-they actually seemed to like each other.
Lord Bridgerton had essentially taken Edwin under his wing. They spent countless hours going over books in the Viscount’s office, training Edwin in management of tenants, his staff, and his duties. He would ask Kate to do the same but he wanted to show his sister he was capable, that their estate would be left in good hands if she were to marry next season.
Lord Bridgerton had spent the summer helping Edwin prepare for the season in London. They toured houses for rent, hired staff, found a chef and set up an account at the modiste. The fashion element would be something he left to Kate and Mary. Edwin signed the papers, paid the deposits and signed the contracts.
Edwin was in debt to his kindness, yet Lord Bridgerton dismissed it as nothing. He still didn’t understand why the Viscount was helping him. Edwin was quite desperate to prove himself to the Viscount as well.
He wrote to his mother and Kate every week, informing his mother about all the preparations for London and Kate about his life in London. He felt guilty lying to his sister but the day had finally come to come clean to her about everything.
He might make it out alive.
Edwin stepped out of his carriage, looking at his childhood home. The orange and pink spread across the sky, the sunset setting in the distance. The estate had been in the Sharma family for generations, and their large, old white manor was surrounded by their fields. Their estate stretched for miles, consisting of tenants' houses, cattle and crop fields.
Somerset was home.
“Edwin!”
Their front door opened and it revealed his mother and sister, dressed in pink and blue respectively. They were both beaming at him and he grinned back, practically running towards them. His mother met him first, wrapping her arms around him.
“Oh darling,” His mother murmured into his ear, squeezing him against her chest. “It’s so good to have you home.”
“It’s good to be home,” He said, grinning up at his mother before turning to wrap his arms around his sister, lifting her up in the air.
“Hello Ed,” Kate said, letting out a laugh as she wrapped her arms around her brother. “I missed you, idiot. You were gone too long.”
“Hello Katherine,” Edwin teased, dodging his sister’s hand in the air that was about to smack him. Edwin pulled back to look at his sister, smiling softly. “I missed you.”
“Come in, come in,” Kate said, tugging him towards the front door. “We have been waiting for you for dinner and I am starving.”
“Everything is settled?” His mother asked in a quiet voice, her gaze on him.
Edwin nodded, smiling briefly as both of their gazes went down the hall towards Kate, who had gone ahead towards the dining room.
“Thank you,” His mother said, squeezing his cheek softly before removing her hand. “Everything will be okay. She will come around.”
Mary Sharma was a strong woman, she had been through a lot in her life and had lost a lot. She did not speak much of her first marriage but Edwin knew it was a miserable one. His father had given her the life he deserved, Kate and him gave her the happiness she deserved-and then Edwin too. He knew his mother was capable of arranging a season, he just wanted to step up and do it for her.
It was time for him to become a man.
Even if he felt he had no clue what he was doing.
“Now Edwin,” Kate said, once the three of them were seated-they left father’s chair empty, as they had done since he had passed away. “Tell us all of London.”
Edwin doesn’t stop talking throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner. He has been surrounded by people all summer but no company is like no one’s family.
“So,” Edwin said sometime after dinner, after they had retired to their drawing room. He exchanged a knowing glance with his mother. “I was thinking-”
“Dangerous,” Kate interrupted, snorting afterwards.
They exchanged smirks-Kate’s a teasing one and Edwin's an exasperated one. “Hardy har.”
“As I was saying,” He resumed, clearing his throat. “I will be at Oxford for the year come October, but I do think you both should spend some time in London.”
“Why?” Kate asked carefully, narrowing her eyes at her brother as she communicated her message: she knew exactly what he was up to. She glanced at their mother, who didn’t react at all. “I have no interest in going to London.”
Edwin moved in his chair so his body was facing Kate, who was glaring at him with every muscle she could muster. He was terrified, this was normally be the part where she would chase him through the house after he had managed to wind her up to the point of explosion. “How would you feel about debuting next season?”
“I do hope you’re not talking to me.”
“Kate.”
“Edwin.”
“I am hardly talking to mother,” Edwin said, letting out a small sigh.
“If Mary wishes to get married,” Kate said, throwing glare at her stepmother. “I will support her happiness. I, however, will not be going to London.”
“Twice was enough for me,” Their mother said, taking a sip of her tea. “Thank you.”
“Kate please-” He tried again.
“No.”
“Kate,” Their mother interrupted, “We cannot delay your season any longer. I will be with you. Edwin will join us occasionally. It’s time, Kate.”
“So this is why you’ve come home?” Kate said, glancing between him and their mother. “Both of you teaming up to conspire against me?”
“Kate,” His mother said softly, reaching her hand toward her. “
“I do not belong there,” She said, shaking her head adamantly.
Edwin frowned, confusion flooding his body. “Of course you do.”
“I do not want to go.”
“It doesn’t have to mean anything,” Edwin implored, guilt wracking his body as he looked at the hurt look on Kate’s face. “It’s an opportunity. One you will not get here.”
“I do not want to get married.”
“You have not tried to marry!”
“Exactly,” Kate practically spat at him. “I plan to keep it that way.”
“You are my sister and my responsibility.”
“Excuse me? Your what?”
Edwin cowered slightly. His sister was bloody terrifying when she wanted to be.
“Kate, you know what I mean. You are nearly twenty one years old.”
“I am?” She gasped, sarcasm rolling right off her tone. “Oh, thank you so much for reminding me. What would I ever do without a man such as yourself?”My poor, silly female brain can barely handle any information.”
“Kate.” He gritted his teeth.
“Mary! You cannot be entertaining this,” Kate said, turning to plead with her step mother. “We cannot afford a season! There are more important things the money can be spent on here. I can marry here. Many girls don’t have seasons and marry perfectly respectable gentlemen!”
“Those girls can afford to not have a season, darling,” Mary said, her tone soft but firm. “We have saved enough for a good season. A chance for you to have the life you deserve.”
“Kate, you do not need to worry about the estate. I am ready to step up to my responsibilities. With your guidance, of course,” He added quickly. “I have organized everything. I have rented a home for the season and I have hired staff. Everything will be lovely in London in the spring.”
“This isn’t fair,” Kate argued, her voice wavering as shaking her head in protest. “You were always on my side. Why are you suddenly stepping up to your responsibilities and talking about London? Arranging for the season? Who has put these ideas in your head?”
“No one,” He said, a small white lie. “This is how it was always going to be. I am a man now, Kate. This is how the world works.”
“Do not lecture me of how the world works,” Kate snapped venomously. “I have been here while you have been at Eton. I have been the one keeping this household afloat. Me. Not you. I have taken care of us. My happiness and livelihood should not be dependent upon whatever man I marry and it does not have to happen in London.”
“Oh. What have I exactly been doing, then?” Their mother asked in a flat tone, staring pointedly at Kate.
Kate’s face fell ashen. “Mary,” She said apologetically, “That is not what I meant at all.”
“I am forever grateful for that,” Edwin said, intervening and glancing anxiously at his mother. He despised confrontation, especially with his sister. This is not how he planned for this conversation to go at all. “Please, let me take care of you.”
“I hate London.”
“You have barely been.”
“Exactly,” Her tone was sharp. “I plan to keep it that way.”
“I have become friends with Lord Bridgerton,” Edwin said, trying to lighten the blow. “His entire family will be in London for the season and his younger sister Eloise will debut with you. You two will get along brilliantly. They are friendly. Dowager Violet Bridgerton said she will invite you and mother for tea when you have settled in.”
Kate’s glare managed to darken.
“Since when are you friends with Viscount Anthony Bridgerton?”
“We became acquainted over the summer,” Edwin said slowly, confused about her disgusted tone. She had spat Lord Bridgerton’s name out. “He has been very kind to me. He helped me organize London. He helped me to become familiar with my duties, as well.”
“Oh, of course,” Kate said, shaking her head in disbelief. “It all makes sense. You’ve only gone and befriended a rake!”
“Pardon me?” Edwin spluttered.
“You should not be taking advice from a-” Her head turned to look at Mary, her eyes widening as her voice lowered. “-rake!”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Edwin asked, anxiously glancing at his mother who was looking at Kate with interest. This was not a topic he wanted to discuss with his mother and sister.
“It has to do everything,” She argued, waving her hands in the air. “You conveniently left his name out of your letters. He is not the sort of company you should keep. He has led you astray!”
“He has done nothing of the sort,” Edwin said, slightly confused how this conversation had led to everything being Lord Bridgerton’s fault. “Kate-”
“Father would never do this to me.”
It was a low blow and as it intended, it stung.
He let out a deep breath. “Father would have had you out in society and married by now.”
“The decision is final,” Edwin continued when Kate opened her mouth to continue her argument. “We are going to London for your debut. I have rented a household, organized staff and ordered food and the necessities for our visit. We leave after Christmas.”
“I will never forgive you for this.”
“You must try to see where I am coming from.”
“All I see is you trying to replace me and get rid of me.”
His mouth fell open. That had never been his intention.
“Never. That is not it at all. Kate-”
She had stormed out of the dining room.
His mother sighed, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “That went as well as expected. She will come around to the idea. Give her time.”
Edwin managed to give her an hour.
He peeked his head around the door, finding his sister across the office. She stood in front of one of the four walls covered in books, her hand wandering the spines of books until she found the one she wanted.
“I come in peace,” He said, raising the two bowls of raspberries and cream into the air. It had been a tradition of theirs for years, since they were children. A second dessert after they were meant to be in bed. “Truce?”
“So you admit defeat?” Kate said warily, looking him up and down with a sour expression.
“Never,” He said, grinning slowly at her. He took it as a sign to enter, which he did as he walked towards their father’s old desk. “I do not wish to argue.”
“Then don’t suggest idiotic things and I will not argue with you.”
He watched as Kate walked around the desk, taking a seat in their father’s old leather chair. She grabbed the fountain pen and ink bottle, resuming where she left off in the ledger. “I suppose you have exciting stories to tell me about oh glorious London.”
He reclined back in his chair happily. “London is rather wonderful.”
“London is full of smog and rats,” Kate said, scowling.
“That’s an exaggeration.”
“I don’t like this friendship with Anthony Bridgerton.”
“What do you have against Anthony Bridgerton?” Edwin asked, raising an eyebrow. “You do not know the man.”
“Thankfully,” Kate snapped, scowling at her brother. “Nor would I ever want to. If his reputation precedes him, I will be glad to never make his acquaintance.”
“What exactly do you know of his reputation?” Edwin asked, raising an eyebrow. Lord Bridgerton’s reputation wasn’t exactly clean. Edwin knew that. The man was rather famous for all of his exploits. He wasn’t a cruel man. He was not evil like some of the men Edwin had come across.
“I have managed to get my hands on a copy of Lady Whistledown from time to time,” Kate explained, making a face at him. “It was not the first time I had heard of him, either. Gossip spreads everywhere. Men who are well known tend to not be for good reasons.”
“He is a very good man, Kate,” Edwin said, “Gossip is gossip. He was kind to me for no reason other than to be kind. I consider him a friend.”
“I do not trust him.”
“Do you trust me?” Edwin asked.
Kate’s mouth opened and closed before she let out a defeated sigh. “Of course.”
“Then why will you not confide in me why you are so against going to London? Why you are so against marriage?”
Kate did not say a word.
“You’re not in love with stable hand, are you?” Edwin said, the question slipping off his tongue before he could think about it. He had, before. It had been a theory he had for a while. “Jerry?”
Kate let out a gasp. “What?”
“You are often at the stables,” Edwin said, shrugging helplessly. “You mentioned them a lot in your letters.”
“I like to ride!”
Edwin’s mouth opened and closed.
“If you are in love and do want to go to London to find someone to marry, I will help you, Kate. I just need you to be honest with me-”
“I am not in love with Jerry!” Kate exclaimed, slamming her ledger shut. “That’s absolutely preposterous. He is kind but he is…I am not in love with him. Why is me not wanting to get married an acceptable answer?”
“I want you to be safe, Kate. I want you to be happy and protected.”
Kate turned away from him, furiously rubbing at her eyes with the back of her hand.
“Then do not take me from the only home I have ever known!” She pleaded, her hands moving through her frazzled, dark hair.
“London offers possibilities!” He argued. “A chance you will never have here-”
“I do not want any of it!” Her voice was wavering and it was as if someone was repeatedly stabbing him in the chest. The last thing he ever wanted was to make her cry. “I want everything to stay exactly how it is. You, me and Mary.”
He softened. “The three of us will always be the same. Things may change, but we won’t. There is no one else I would rather spend the rest of my days with.”
“Nor I,” She croaked, blinking through watery tears.
“I just want you to have the best chance at life,” He said slowly, walking around to stand in front of her, kneeling slowly. He took her hands in his. “A season can offer you that. I did not mean what I said earlier. London is waiting for you but only if you will give it a chance. Willingly. I would never force you to marry anyone you did not want to, Kate. I am only asking you to give it a chance. If nothing happens, we will return to Somerset. Please, Kate. For Mary. For me. Please.”
Kate stared at him, her expressions wavering as she fought an internal battle. “Just one season?”
“Just one,” Edwin said, nodding animatedly.
“Fine,” Kate conceded, “But I will not enjoy a single minute of it.”
“Thank you,” He whispered, reaching over to squeeze her hand. He didn’t protest when she stole the rest of his raspberries and cream. “You never know what might happen. You might just enjoy yourself. Anyone would be stupid to not realize how brilliant you are, Kate. Who knows? You could catch the eye of an Earl. A Duke. A Viscount, even.”
Kate snorted, eating a spoonful of their dessert. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Lord Bridgerton,
I hope this letter finds you well. I also hope you are enjoying your time in Kent. I cannot thank you enough for all of your help. Things are set in motion, thankfully. May the 1814 season be the best one yet.
Yours faithfully,
Edwin Sharma.